Morning Jules,

Was just wondering how you got on when you visited your Mum this week, and also how your daughter got on at hospital?  I do hope things are not too stressful for you and that you can try and have a relaxing weekend.

I'm waiting for my eldest to come home, he has spent somewhat of Freshers sleeping on fellow pupils floors after social events - latest was a toga party last night!  I'm off to my counsellor this morning, had originally been thinking I wouldn't need to see her for too much longer but have been so emotional this week so will talk things over with her.

The weather is forecast to be nice this weekend but is looking a bit gloomy at present.  Here's hoping it brightens up and the sun shines on us all.  Take care  Hope x

Hi Hope

Hope you visit to the counsellor was helpful and its good for you to be able to talk things through and this should last as long as you need it.

I have just returned from visiting Mum and she was ok though I am sure a little concerned at how long she will be able to stay where she.  She has amazed the staff at how forthright she was when social worker 'interviewed' her and they are left in no doubt as to what she wants. All the care staff came to see me whilst I was visiting to make sure I was okay too - very sweet.  I stayed until she was due to go into lunch and we even managed a bit of a laugh when I showed her latest photos of her great grandson.  He has really enjoyed his first week in Reception and keeps telling his mum that his teacher is the most beautiful one in the school!!

Hubby and I picked him up from school on Friday as my daughter had to return to hospital for a second day of tests and monitoring.  Specialist blood tests with regard to her liver function have been sent off and unless she hears otherwise she returns to clinic next Friday.  The last set of bloods were borderline but all readings for the baby were good.  If the new blood tests show certain 'rises' she may have to be taken in and possibly induced (she is now 37 weeks and would probably welcome is being over and done with!!).  Anyway so far so good.  I have an overnight bag ready and waiting and she has several friends on standby to get her to the hospital if her hubby is at work.  Mind you she is still driving herself at present!!

When we met our grandson at school (its only 10mins to his home) he told Grandad that he could meet us there as it was healthier to walk!!!  My hubby's face was a picture as he drove off and I walked the little tyke home!!

Life's stresses seem to come and go but having the forum to offload certainly helped me to see things in perspective this week though I think my mood swings are more due to hormones than current circumstances.

Sounds like your eldest having a great time during Freshers but will no doubt be looking forward to some home cooking.  Have a great weekend with the family and will catch up again soon.  All the best and look after yourself. Jules xx

Hi Rambling Granny,

I hope all the family are doing well tonight and that includes you and I have my fingers crossed that you have a good win, it's about time you did. It was lovely to read that your husband is chuffed with the new addition, it's a lovely feeling when the men get involved. Good for you all to have something nice to think about. It sounds like your bigger grandson is going to be quite a character now he's an older brother, funny how they do that.

Well hope to hear how your evening went,

look after yourself Jules.

Annabel. xx

Hi Annabel

Quick update before I go to the shops to get the things I forgot yesterday!!  Picked up our grandson from school yesterday and gave him tea and played 'crashing cars' whilst having my brain numbed by CBeebies!! for an hour.  Then the doorbell went and there was my daughter, son in law and of course of new baby all on the doorstep!!  After a few arguments and lots of instructions on what not to do she had been allowed to come out of hospital.  Her iron levels are still causing some concern and they were considering a further transfusion but she was getting very stressed which was affecting her heart rate and so they have given her iron tablets instead (and a load of laxatives to help with the resulting constipation!!).  They stopped long enough to fill us us, have a drink and pick up their eldest and then were dashing back home to sterilise the bottles ready for the baby's next feed.  Am sure she will feel loads more relaxed being in her own home and she has the midwife coming in today.  The main advice to her was to act as though she has had a ceaserean and take things very easy,  no lifting, short journeys by car ok and slow walks but absolutely nothing strenuous thus giving her body time to recover.  She has asked us round later today as she wants our rocking chair (baby really liked the one in the hospital!!) so we are going to take it round. We will ring first to make sure she is up to it, of course.  Hubby is great at cooking so they wont need my efforts in that department (thank goodness as its my pet household hate!!) but once he goes back to work I can do her housework and the school runs where necessary and my hubby is currently happy to play chauffeur.

Hope all is well with  you and  your family. Sounds as though work is keeping you on your toes.  I am dreaming of Tuesday next week as thats when my time off begins!!  Chat again soon.Jules x

P.S.  No luck at the bingo but enjoyed a glass of wine with my friend afterwards to 'wet the  baby's head'.

Hi Jules,

So glad you hear your daughter is home and also that hubby is such a proud granddad.  Hopefully this wonderful event has done you all good.  Have a good weekend.  I'm nursing a cold/virus that I've had for over a week and now hubby has got it, so having a quiet weekend with family. Hope x

Hi Hope

Just wanted to say get well soon. So many colds and coughs around at the moment. We have had several people go down with bugs this last couple of weeks at work. Doing my best to steer clear as would rather not catch anything to stop me helping my daughter in the coming weeks.  My leave begins next Tuesday so I will be able to help with her housework and the school runs unti she is given the all clear by the midwife.  She is not one who enjoys sitting about at the best of times and having it forced on her at present is causing some frustration!

Do take care and really hope you feel better after resting up this weekend.  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

It's great to read that your daughter has been allowed home. What a lovely surprise to have them turn up on your doorstep like that!

I think everyone recuperates more quickly back in their own homes with familiar things (and people! ) around them, plus, hospital routines don't exactly aid recovery!

It's good to read that the arrival of Zack has boosted your hubby's spirits too. Babies always hit the spot when it comes to lifting spirits

Hope, sorry to read that you're nursing a cold. One of the delights of working in a school no doubt! I'm glad to be missing out on the annual October bug fest that blights our school as soon as the ancient heating system is fired up! Hope you'll soon be feeling better! Can I prescribe a little hot toddy? But don't let Jules' hubby know as I know he wouldn't approve of any tampering with a scotch

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, hugs to you both, Jo xx

Get better from your cold soon Hope. This virus seems to be doing the rounds. My husband has had it this pass week, even stayed in bed one day!!! unheard of. Just been over to visit my parents who have both had it this week, made sure they have all shopping in.  It seems to be quite a nasty cold. Hope I don't catch it before Monday got two cottages to clean then.

Hope you have a really relaxing weekend and feel loads better.

best wishes

Annabel. xx

Gald she's home now Jules it's often better for them to be in their own environment, much less stress and fretting. My daughter was also put on the iron tablets .

Interesting I too hate cooking these days it's just a hassle, but I make the effort for others, husband included!!! ,lol.

Hope you have a fun weekend, you are going to be even busier for the next few weeks.

Speak soon

Annabel. xx

Hi Jules, Meerkat & Annabel,

Thanks for all your good wishes.  I can't believe I still feel bad as I usually shake these things off quickly, perhaps I'm just run down.  Hope you are all doing OK, and Jules you make sure you avoid the bugs so you can spend time with your new grandson and look after your daughter.  Take care everyone.  Hope x

Hi Jo

My daughter so pleased to be in her own comfortable surroundings.  We safely delivered our rocking chair yesterday afternoon (her hubby and I managing to get it up the stairs to their flat). First person to sit in it?  my hubby (never bothered with it at home) though as its wooden was a little hard on his bot!!!  Of course there is now a cushion on it and my eldest grandson thinks its great!!  We stayed for just over an hour and the little 'un slept all through the photo sessions!!  He has been very good so far and even did a five hour sleep during the night.  Hubby was on night duty to help my daughter regain some strength (she looking much better and lots of smiles now) and apparently the baby likes motorbikes already (on the tv during the night!!!). We left just as the midwife was visiting and my daughter is already planning her 'out and about plans' for next week. though knows not to rush things

It is lovely for my hubby to have something good to focus on as his pain has been 'breaking through' again the last few days and he always dreads what that will mean at the next check up (last week in October).  I know he is worried they will  have to increase his medication as this would probably mean no more driving  and the mention of public transport leaves him in a very black mood!!  Following your comment to Hope I suppose I could point out that he could have a larger scotch(his oncologist made the mistake of telling him he could eat and drink what he likes - think she should have added 'within reason' but dont suppose it matters much now). Bless him he only has a tipple on a Friday Night, neither of us being big drinkers - still have bottles in the cupboard from past Christmases.

Well looks as though we will be cossetted inside today - its very wet and miserable outside.  I was going to go the the Farmers Market and Artisan Craft Show (once a month locally) but getting drenched does not appeal!!!  Have a good day and chat again soon.  Jules xx

Morning Hope

Just a quick post to say hope you are feeling a little better today.  These bugs are such a nuisance and as Jo says working in a school always means you are more at risk with the kids spreading all the germs around.  Sitting here listening to a storm raging outside and there was I planning to walk to our monthly Farmers Market and Artisan Craft Fair!!  Well unless there is a dry spell before 2pm think I will give it a mess as do not fancy being drenched!!!  Hope you letting your menfolk spoil you.  Adding to the hot toddy can thoroughly recommend honey and lemon and putting your feet up with a good book!!  Take care and chat again soon.  Jules xx

Morning Hope

Just a quick post to say hope you are feeling a little better today.  These bugs are such a nuisance and as Jo says working in a school always means you are more at risk with the kids spreading all the germs around.  Sitting here listening to a storm raging outside and there was I planning to walk to our monthly Farmers Market and Artisan Craft Fair!!  Well unless there is a dry spell before 2pm think I will give it a mess as do not fancy being drenched!!!  Hope you letting your menfolk spoil you.  Adding to the hot toddy can thoroughly recommend honey and lemon and putting your feet up with a good book!!  Take care and chat again soon.  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

Glad to hear your daughter and baby are doing well - love the idea of a rocking chair.  It's good that your hubby is more focused now he has another grandson to look after, but sorry to hear he has had some pain of late.  I expect he (and you) will be feeling apprehensive about his forthcoming check-ups.

I'm a little better but the bug is still there, doesn't seem to want to leave and is very annoying.  Had a quietish weekend but have been to the house sorting out Mum's clothes which was a bit hard.  Eldest has had his home-cooked dinner and now gone off to do a shift back at the care-home where he previously worked.  He will do some weekend work when he can for extra money, so is a real busy bee.  Youngest at football with hubby so I may go and have a wander around the shops for an hour and get some fresh air.  Take care and enjoy all your baby time.  Hope x

Hi Hope

Have just returned from some retail therapy (hubby gone into old workplace to offer words of wisdom following them phoning for advice) whilst had a free day (strange but welcome).

Hope you are feeling a bit better.  These bugs seem to be taking time to go once you get them  and am sure your immune system may be a bit low at the moment.  Hope you can get some rest and maybe give yourself a treat (rather than a hard time) to give yourself a chance to recover.  Is your school on half term next week.  I am planning on helping out my daughter when required over the next 10 days as her hubby goes back to work tomorrow. Already booked in to assist with school run tomorrow and Friday (she cannot lift pushchair in and out of flat as yet) Also going to a kids birthday party on Sat p/m as that extra pair of hands and then onMonday she has midwife check up at local clinic and it will  be more relaxing if I am at her place to play with the elder grandson!!!  Have just had my first lot of photos back since the new baby arrived so now have to get a couple into frames.

I managed to fit in my blood tests yesterday so in a couple of weeks will find out if all my good work at changing the diet has had any affect on my cholestrol levels!!  I am telling you if it hasn't I will be having a chocolat-fest.  Mind you I am very happy with the new slimmer me so at least there has been an advantage.

Take care my virtual friend and don't push yourself too hard.  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

Well after still feeling ill with the dreaded bug last night (seems to make a comeback in the evenings), today I feel a little better; which in turn has made me feel a little brighter overall - day off as well so that always helps. Really hoping the roller-coaster of emotions will become easier as time goes on.

Glad to hear you've had some retail therapy, that is what I intend to do tomorrow on my next day off.  Bet hubby is loving going back up to his old workplace, I bet the phoned call for advice made him feel good.  I'm on half-term next week and hope to really get to grips with the rest of the house clearance.  Have arranged for the local hospice that helped Mum and Dad to pick up some bigger items that they can sell in their charity shops.  Apart from that I hope to have a relaxing week as this bug thing seems better when I rest a bit, hopefully will be gone by then anyway.  So much for getting back to the gym everday, I went Monday and felt worse again afterwards so probably best to give it a rest until fully recovered.

Bet you can't wait to help your daughter out, and how fun to be going to a kids party at the weekend, only seems like yesterday I was planning my own kids ones, I used to love it so much.  Good luck with the blood tests and as you say hopefully cholestrol will be lowered, if not then a Cadbury diet may be in order!

Hi Hope23,

Sorry to hear you've been suffering from this bug thats doing the rounds. From what I can gather it seems to hang around for at least 3 weeks.

I do hope you start to feel a lot better soon.Just feeling physicaally lousy is going to upset your emotions, as if you  haven't got enought o cope with anyway.

I think you are right to try and take it easy until you are completely better. My husband , parents and friend have all had this in the last 3 weeks. I am hoping I don't get it but you never know.

Take care

Best wishes

Annabel. xx

Hi Annabel,  Thank you for your kind wishes, and I must admit I'm quite relieved to hear that other people say the bug hangs around for about 3 weeks since I usually shake things off quickly and was beginning to get a little worried.  I know it's only a bug ad usually wouldn't take a lot of notice but there have been so many bad things this year I almost seem to be expecting something else bad!.  I hope things are going OK for you and that you manage to avoid the dreaded lurgy.

Jules, sorry to jump in on your thread, I have left you a message earlier.  Take care both of you.   Hope x

Hi Hope

No problem with people jumping in when they fancy a chat, thats what so good about the forum, you just catch up where and when you want - no pressure.  Sorry to read you still suffering but from what Annabel says sounds like its doing the rounds. Am praying I  steer clear, really do not need that when I am doing 'granny duties' from tomorrow.  Heard from my daughter this afternoon (needs me to take in milk in the morning on my way round) that baby has been fractious during the day but very good at night so she is grateful he has got it the right way round!!

Would certainly recommend pacing yourself and not trying to do too much until your body has had time to recover.  It can be very lowering in itself without your added emotions playing a huge part.  As to going to the gym that would send me straight round the bend - manage to walk past regularly but never considered actually going inside.

Hubby was ok about going up to the factory (am sure secretly delighted they still need his imput) but unfortunately a 1hr journey turned into a 3hr nightmare when they shut the motorway because of a lorry fire so he did not get there until 1 p.m. thus missing lunch and returned home very weary about 4.  Has been asleep for the last hour or so, so have put dinner on low and it may be supper as I do not like to wake him just yet. Strange how things work out, originally he should have been going tomorrow but they changed their plans.  I expect tomorrow he will be glad to take it easy but may come and visit our daughter later in the day depending on how he feels. I am sure a cuddle will bring a smile back to his face.

Look after  yourself. Bye for now. Jules xx

Hi Jules,

Glad to hear hubby made it to work despite the nightmare motorway journey!  I bet he does like giving them advice and it probably makes him still feel part of everything.  I did laugh about your comment on walking past the gym but never going in, I usually find it theraputic at the gym (that shows how mad I am!), but am definitely going to wait until fully recovered until I go again,  planning some retail therapy  today instead. Hope you have fun with your grandsons today, I'm sure a cuddle with baby will make your hubby smile.  Have a good day.  Hope x